SB 0694 Summary

• Amends MCL 712A.2 to expand probate court jurisdiction over juveniles by clarifying that "criminality" includes violations of state or federal law by a parent, guardian, or custodian that renders a home unfit, regardless of whether the violation results in a conviction.

• Specifies that when determining whether criminal offenses against children render a home unfit, it does not matter whether the child victim is related to the parent, guardian, nonparent adult, or other custodian.

• Changes reference from "family independence agency" to "department of human services" in provisions regarding high-security and medium-security juvenile facilities operated by the state or county.

• Adds language stating that probate courts may consider allegations against a parent who is currently absent from the home or has no current contact with the juvenile when determining if a home is or will be an unfit place for the juvenile.

• Takes effect only if Senate Bill No. 1303 of the 96th Legislature is enacted into law.